Robert Zolman

Robert Zolman, 90, a former resident of Churubusco, passed away at 4:35 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2016, at the Presence Sacred Heart Home in Avilla. He had been a resident there since 2009 and had been in declining health for the past six months. Mr. Zolman was born on August 20, 1925 in Eel River Township, a son of Garra H. and Grace B. (Rosenogle) Zolman. He spent his formative years on the family farm north of Churubusco and graduated from Churubusco High School in 1943. As a young man he served with the U.S. Navy during World War II, and was married in Churubusco on October 6, 1946 to Phylis M. Leitch. The couple lived the early years of their marriage in Churubusco, spent seven years in Dallas, Texas, and returned to Churubusco in 1988. Employed as a die sinker with International Harvester in Fort Wayne, he retired from there in 1981 after 31 years. Following his retirement there he continued to work as a die sinker for several other companies, retiring in 1989. He also had served as vice president of the International Die Sinkers Union. He will long be remembered for his work as an artist with stained glass, and in his leisure time enjoyed fishing and gardening. He was a die hard New York Yankees fan, and participated in a veteran's Honor Flight in 2014. Most especially he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to many. Mrs. Zolman preceded him in death on April 20, 2015. The surviving relatives include his children Sherry (Ronald) Johnson and Randy (Diane) Zolman, both of Churubusco; his grandchildren Tim (Janelle) Johnson and Melissa (Roy) Stuckey, both of Churubusco, Amy (Matt) Weyer of Fredinand, and Andrew Zolman of Fort Lewis, Wash; and seven great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers Charles Zolman, Cline C. Zolman, and Dale Zolman. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Pastor Nikki Marker, officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 3 to 8 p.m., or one hour prior to the service Wednesday afternoon. Interment with military graveside rites will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.